The Detroit Society for Coatings Technology’s FOCUS Conference 2007 was held on May 3.

TROY, MI - The Detroit Society for Coatings Technology’s FOCUS Conference 2007 was held on May 3. More than 200 participants marked the 32nd anniversary of the all-day scientific/educational program. The theme of the Conference was Global Challenges in Automotive Coatings.

            Keynoter Francois Farion, of Nissan Design America, started the Conference with an address on the respective impact and connotations of car body colors in various geographic, cultural and demographic markets. He also offered insights as to how color designers read trends, tweak existing body colors, and try to create the body colors of the future.

            Two tutorial short courses featured distinguished lecturers Monica Verma, Automotive Coatings Specialist, speaking about Coatings Formulation: Understanding the Building Blocks; and Matthew McGreer, Atlas Material Testing Technology LLC, presenting Advanced Weathering Techniques for Prediction of Paint Performance. In addition, 12 presentations covered subjects of interest to formulators, paint applicators and end users.

            FOCUS 2008 is scheduled for May 1, 2008. Contact Renee Shreves at renees@quakercolor.com if you would like to participate.